A middle school teacher just assaulted a student who chose not to stand for pledge of allegiance

The right-wing’s obsessive culture war over standing for the national anthem and other shallow, superficial indicators of patriotism that are used to rigorously prosecute any criticism of our deeply dysfunctional society and corrupt political system is beginning to claim victims.

Angevine Middle School teacher Karen Smith has been placed on paid administrative leave after police were called to investigate a report of her violent reaction. School policy does not compel students to stand or sit for the pledge.

The Supreme Court has previously ruled that students cannot be forced to stand or to recite the pledge of allegiance.

Devoid of any true political ideology, President Trump has made militant fetishistic nationalism his primary public issue, wading into a deplorable feud with players of the National Football League for protesting institutionalized racism and police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem at football games.

This violent attack is a terrifying glimpse into the disturbing consequences of the President’s fanatical appeals to a very obviously ethnonationalist conception of patriotism and the authoritarian repression that accompanies it.

Colin Taylor is the managing editor of the Washington Press. He graduated from Bennington College with a Bachelor's degree in history and political science. He now focuses on advancing the cause of social justice, equality, and universal health care in America.